Crime
JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali
JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have intensified attacks along key transport corridors in southern Mali, raising fresh concerns over the country’s deteriorating security situation and the growing vulnerability of routes leading to the capital, Bamako.
Security sources and local reports indicated that several commercial buses and cargo trucks were intercepted and set ablaze on May 9 along the strategic Sikasso-Bougouni highway despite prior warnings allegedly issued by JNIM elements operating in the region.
The attacks reportedly occurred barely 48 hours after Mali’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, assured diplomats in Bamako that the state remained firmly in control of the security situation and that ongoing military “reorganisation” efforts were progressing effectively.
According to local accounts, armed fighters also attacked the village of Zambougou, located about 45 kilometres from Ségou on the road toward Bamako.
The village, reportedly hosting a pro-government militia allied with the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), was allegedly set on fire during the assault.
Residents said militia members fled the area during the attack, leaving civilians stranded as homes and property were destroyed.
Similar incidents were reported in the Sanankoro Bani area, where additional buses were reportedly burned by armed groups operating along the corridor.
The attacks have heightened fears that insurgent groups are steadily tightening pressure on transport and supply routes critical to Bamako’s economic and logistical stability.
Transport operators and residents in affected regions described growing anxiety over movement along major highways linking southern and central Mali to the capital.
The latest incidents appear consistent with a broader insurgent strategy aimed at isolating Bamako through progressive disruption of transport corridors, supply chains and commercial movement.
“The pattern emerging is not random violence,” a regional security observer said.
“It increasingly resembles a deliberate strategy of economic and psychological pressure targeting the state’s ability to maintain normal activity and public confidence.”
The attacks also underscore the widening gap between official government messaging and realities on the ground, according to analysts monitoring the conflict.
In his May 7 briefing with diplomats, Diop had accused unnamed foreign actors of attempting to destabilise Mali while insisting that state institutions remained operational and effective.
However, critics argue that the repeated attacks on highways, military positions and civilian infrastructure reflect persistent weaknesses in the country’s security architecture despite the junta’s assurances.
Insurgent activity has expanded significantly in recent weeks across northern, central and southern Mali, targeting not only military facilities but also transport networks, energy infrastructure and commercial routes.
The ruling military government, led by Assimi Goïta, has repeatedly defended its security strategy since severing military ties with France and strengthening cooperation with Russian military partners.
Nevertheless, insecurity has continued to spread in several regions despite intensified military operations.
Zagazola warned that attacks on major highways could have severe economic consequences if sustained over time, particularly as Mali already faces inflationary pressures, fuel shortages and rising transportation costs.
“The danger is not only military. When commercial traffic slows and populations begin to fear movement between cities, the economic and psychological effects become significant.”
Local residents in parts of central and southern Mali have increasingly expressed concern over insecurity on roads previously considered relatively stable compared to conflict zones in the north.
Humanitarian organisations also warned that disruptions along key transport corridors could affect delivery of food supplies, medical assistance and other essential goods to vulnerable communities.
As of the time of filing this report, Malian authorities had not issued a detailed official statement regarding the attacks on the Sikasso-Bougouni axis.
JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali
Crime
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
Breaking…..
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
By: Michael Mike
A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier to death by hanging after the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully prosecuted her for conspiracy to commit, aid and abet terrorism. This is the second death sentence secured by the DSS in the month of June.
The convict, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, was arrested by the DSS on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park, Katsina State, while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to one Ado, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Dunburum Forest, Zamfara State.
On 3rd June, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men arrested by the DSS to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed over 40 lives.
Security sources revealed that, in Katsina, the DSS filed a two-count charge against Hauwa’u Mukhtar
before High Court No. 3, Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.
After evaluating the totality of evidence, witness testimonies, tendered exhibits, and final addresses of both prosecution and defence counsel, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Mukhtar guilty on both counts.
The judge subsequently sentenced the convict to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
“The successful prosecution is a significant milestone for the DSS, demonstrating its capacity to not only intercept criminal actors but to follow through with decisive legal action that results in landmark convictions.’, stated the source.
It could be recalled that, about a month ago, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced one Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition and attempting to provide support for acts of terrorism marking the second conviction of a female arms courier secured by the DSS this year.
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops and local vigilante members have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Kanama, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, following intelligence reports on insurgent movements in the area.
Security sources said the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 15 after troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kanama, supported by vigilante personnel, acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists within the community.
The joint patrol team reportedly made contact with the insurgents at about 3:15 a.m., leading to an exchange of gunfire.
According to the sources, the terrorists were forced to retreat towards the Sambisa axis after coming under pressure from the security forces.
Items recovered from the scene included nine bicycles, one Baofeng radio set, a mobile phone, three pairs of slippers and three locally made water bottles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
One member of the vigilante group sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The recovered items have been taken into custody for further exploitation and investigation.
Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement across the North-East region.
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a stop-and-search operation at Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Mr. Jerry Joshua, 45, and Mr. Williams Nwaso, 54, were intercepted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 15 at the checkpoint.
The troops, who were conducting routine security checks, reportedly discovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa in their possession.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb drug trafficking and other criminal activities within Plateau State.
Investigations are ongoing.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
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